Statement re. Marine Harvest Job Losses

29 May 2003

“This is a blow for the fragile economy of the Western Isles. Marine Harvest has been a substantial employer in the Islands for many years and we can ill afford this number of job losses and the knock on effect that will have throughout our communities. We have already had discussions with the Managing Director of the company and we have asked that all options be examined. The Comhairle will provide what support we can and we will be working with the company, the MSP and other agencies to explore what can be done in terms of alternative employment and training. Other companies in the sector have previously stated that they have had difficulties in attracting employees and it may be that there is scope for absorbing or all of the redundancies.
This certainly illustrates the narrow economic base of the Islands and the need for investment and commitment to diversifying the economy of the Islands through our jointly agreed strategy, ‘Creating Communities of the Future’ which highlights the economic opportunities in such areas as renewable energy, broadband and UHI “

Angus Campbell
Vice-Convener
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk